Recent content by zkt

They are stored as plant matter. Which, as it increases, further lowers the amount of fish wastes in the water. SOme do. I trim them too. Im not saying that water changes arent necessary. Just that in a properly set up tank they arent. And if they are always necessary - why?

plants+light+co2+O2 +nitrates+ phoshpates+ potassium compounds+ a little trace elements+ water=carbohydrates+ o2. Yea , there might be some old wives tales at work here or wisdom of the ages maybe better said.

Human waste can be turned into fertilizer but its not practicle on the space station. If there is something in fish waste that plants bacteria, snails, and protozoa cant deal with - what is it?

I take exception the the idea that my tank isnt wall maintained because I dont change the water. I strive to maintain a good plant growth rate as well as nitrifying bacteria, and a population of scavengers. Water changes might be the lazy way out. :P I think theyve pretty well proven that it can...

Im trying to find out what constitutes such a system. Lepomis, i dont do more than top the level off every few days. Not taking anything out - just replenishing, as you. The corys , sharks and gouramis are fine. It seems that you do water changes because it works. Thats fine. What works -...

Its a closed life- support system. Agaiin I refeer to the space station as a analogy.

You didnt waste my time at all. Didnt mean to give you that impression. :( But I strongly believe in basing ones actions on facts, and logical reasoning. And so far I cant find a logical reason for water changes in a well balanced tank. I believe that if all the processes are in balance it...

THat was interesting and good anecdotal evidence for the benefits of water changes but it dosent contribute anything new to the discussion. There is a lot of biochemistry going on in a fish tank. I would think it is all well understood.

If you got a link I got the time.

Sounds reasonable, except the pond I refered to is built out of concrete and not connected to the ground water. Same as a fish tank. It loses water by evaporation and is replaced by rainwater only. Same as a fish tank, except I replace the water from the tap. The airing out sounds like a good...

Dont the plants eat the nitrates ? If I remember correctly; plants+light+co2+O2 +nitrates+ phoshpates+ potassium compounds+ a little trace elements=carbohydrates+ o2. Im not trying to start an argument here. But if theres a sound scientific reason behind mandatory water changes- what is it ?

Yea, Im sure most are. But the one I have in the back yard is about 150 gal. I never do more than change the filter when the flow slows too much and add water if the level gets too low. Crystal clear water, and happy goldfish.

Thats certianly the consencous of opinion alrite. Was just hoping that someone could provide a scientific explanation as to why.

Well, the pump is rated for 300gph. The filter material slows it down a little. But it still shoots a stream of very small co2 bubbles half way down the tank befor they have slowed enough to rise to the surface. I cant see circulation as a cause. The corys continously stir the bottom to the...

about 10x10x54 " Yes, thats sand. Not very thick at all. Maybe thats it. Just not old enough yet. Maybe needs a little time away from me messin with it ? People have thought that the shark might be the cause. Maybe thay are right. Ill remove him and reload on tetras and see what happens. The...